"I would personally be delighted if he could stay with us. You wouldn't fault his effort and professionalism," Scurrah said.

The situation has arisen in part after the club signed Cronulla half Chad Townsend and England fullback Sam Tomkins. Townsend was expected to partner Shaun Johnson in the halves, with five-eighth Thomas Leuluai to move to hooker.

Friend is showing signs of wear and tear after 12 seasons in the NRL, but has played the last 17 games and averaged almost 47 tackles a game this season.